Natterjack
EN

Natterjack

Epidalea calamita

UnknownLCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natterjack_toad

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Natterjack toad faces severe population declines across its European range due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized breeding sites. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the shallow, temporary pools essential for reproduction, while coastal development threatens remaining dune and heathland populations. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that affect the ephemeral water bodies this species depends upon for successful breeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

Natterjacks inhabit sandy coastal areas, heathlands, and open grasslands with access to shallow, temporary water bodies for breeding. They require warm, well-drained soils for burrowing and ephemeral pools that dry seasonally, preventing fish colonization that would threaten tadpole survival.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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EN

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Anthophore estivaleCR

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Anthophora aestivalis

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Adonis BlueVU

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Lysandra bellargus

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VU

Anthribus fasciatus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Natterjack classified as Endangered?
Natterjack is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Natterjack toad faces severe population declines across its European range due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized breeding sites. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the shallow, temporary pools essential for reproduction, while coastal development threatens remaining dune and heathland populations. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that affect the ephemeral water bodies this species depends upon for successful breeding.
Where does Natterjack live?
Natterjack occurs in Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 23 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Natterjack?
The main threats to Natterjack are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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